Working from home: New Possibilities

I deleted the post I wrote last week about going for a job I didn’t want. This is because a) I got the job and b) I realised that I did, in fact, want to take it.

I’m in the midst of reading a book by a guy who has no arms or legs. His name is Nick and he was born that way (Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic – I highly recommend it). Being inspired by someone with a disability is nothing new but this guy is in a league of his own because he is so genuinely happy. He travels the world giving talks about how to find your purpose and live a fulfilling life. I can’t help but be amazed that a guy with no limbs is truly happy – happier than most people. Sometimes it seems like people with disabilities are more likely to push the boundaries of possibility than people who are in perfect health.

This book makes me think of all the things I secretly believe are impossible. Most of them are small things but they hold me back from going beyond my perceived limitations. I just got offered a job which I am excited about but I am already thinking ‘how will I cope with the stress of working from home AND being a mum’. Then I met a girl who works full time (because of financial reasons) and has a baby who never sleeps for more than half an hour at a time. Her baby also has health problems. She gets no sleep, deals with his health problems and still comes to work with a smile on her face – something I would think impossible under the circumstances. People go beyond their limitations all the time, often without realising it. Maybe I can to.

Being a mum facilitates many changes. I now feel more capable, responsible and efficient than I did before I had Scarlett. I used to dread nights of no sleep, now I take them in my stride (sort of). If I can suddenly gain those traits perhaps I can become someone who can enjoy the stimulation of working from home and still be a good mother. I’d like to think it’s possible to be busy yet remain calm and happy. Reading about Nick is inspiring me to go beyond the person I thought I was and take up something that stretches me. If a guy with no arms or legs can learn to surf, I’m sure enjoying this new challenge is only the beginning of what is possible for me. If it isn’t, I’ll happily give it up and write about what a disaster it was on my blog.

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